A kitchen hood is needed to clean the room from unpleasant odors, combustion products and smoke that are generated during cooking. Her work is based on a filter, which can be carbon or fat. It protects internal surfaces, in particular the engine, from dirt and ensures the normal functioning of the device. The extract filter in the kitchen is indispensable, especially if the ventilation system is closed.
Principles of operation of hoods
There are hoods that, by drawing in steam, take it out through the vent. Their principle of operation is to completely remove polluted air and replace it with clean air. But their installation requires connection to a ventilation pipe.
Circulating hoods work on a different principle. The powerful engine draws in air, with the help of the installedthe filter cleans it and returns it back to the dwelling. That is why these devices require the installation of a high-quality filter. A ductless kitchen hood does not require complex installation and costs significantly less.
Varieties of grease filters
A grease filter for extractor hoods in the kitchen is necessary to clean the air flow from impurities. Otherwise, suspended fat particles will harm the internal elements of the equipment and lead to its breakdown.
If you do not install a filter, then after a couple of weeks of using the hood, all its insides, including the motor, will be covered with a thick and sticky layer of fat, which is difficult to clean and has an unpleasant odor.
Grease filters are divided into disposable and reusable. In connection with this fact, the material from which it is made is also different.
Material for making a grease trap
Non-woven or special impregnated paper is a budget option that can be found in low price range hoods. As a rule, these are flat-type devices. Operation continues until the filter is completely dirty. Its cleaning is ineffective, so it is simply replaced with another one.
Acrylic filter. Such material can be cleaned, but due to its fragility, it will need to be replaced with a new one after several procedures.
Aluminum filter. This design is reusable and is durable and reliable. Such a filter will last a long time, as long as it is in operation.hood. These filters are installed in devices that are in the high or middle price segment. It is enough to remove the grease trap and clean it well so that the hood works at full capacity.
Select grease filter
In household appliances stores you can find a sufficient variety of models and manufacturers of grease traps. Sometimes it is difficult to understand them and understand how they differ.
The most common brands that the consumer hears about and most often available for sale are: Cata, Gorenje and Kronta.
Kronta filters
Kronta, according to consumer reviews, is one of the best brands, which is represented by various models of hoods and filters for them. All samples are made exclusively from aluminum with a multilayer metal mesh.
Such filters are quite effective. They completely trap all evaporation, protect the internal elements of the hood and the kitchen set from fatty particles.
The kitchen hood filter from the Kronta brand, judging by the reviews, is well cleaned with ordinary detergent. It can also be washed in the dishwasher. If such a filter is regularly looked after, then it will perfectly cope with air purification and will successfully serve for several years.
Fat Models by Cata
The Spanish brand supplies anodized aluminum filters with six layers for air purification. A kitchen hood with a filter without a drain requires a similar design, because the cleanableair enters the living space again.
According to reviews, kitchen hoods with a filter of this kind have high-quality filters that can be cleaned by any means and washed in the dishwasher. But some complain that the layering makes it difficult to clean thoroughly.
Aluminum grill prevents grease from reaching the engine and keeps the inside of the hood clean.
Italian brand Gorenje
Grease filters are also made from aluminum, so they are reusable. They completely prevent dirt from getting to the motor blades, so the hoods are protected from overload in case of contamination. For the convenience of users, they are available in different sizes, therefore they are universal, as they fit many models of hoods.
Charcoal filters
Kitchen hood with charcoal filter is most effective if you need to quickly freshen the air and get rid of unpleasant odors. Often they are called anti-odor or absorption. This fact is due to the fact that activated carbon, which is part of the filter, is able to capture and absorb various odors, vapors and fatty particles.
Coal is a natural absorbent. It is completely safe when used as directed. It not only absorbs odors, but also holds them securely inside.
The hood for the kitchen with a charcoal filter, and user reviews confirm this, has one drawback. To keep the hood working properly, the filters must bereplace regularly with new ones. But their prices may differ. Depending on the manufacturer and build quality, the price can vary from 250 to 2500 rubles.
Charcoal filter needs to be replaced
The functioning of the hood depends on the quality of the filter. As it gets dirty, it becomes more and more dense and therefore it is difficult for air to pass through it. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the cartridge in time.
If we consider standard terms, then on average one carbon filter is able to effectively purify the air for 3-4 months. But each manufacturer indicates more accurate information in the instructions for the cartridge.
So, the product from the brand Elica requires replacement every two months. But the Elikor filter will last all four.
Of course, the regularity of replacement depends not only on the brand and manufacturer's recommendations. The frequency of use of the hood itself and the method of cooking are also important.
If you need a longer life charcoal filter for your kitchen hood, then you should consider buying the Krona brand, which guarantees flawless operation for up to a year. The Gaggenau filter is changed according to the manufacturer's recommendation twice a year, and the Bosch cartridge once a year.
It should be remembered that usually an additional copy is not provided with a hood with a carbon filter. Therefore, it is recommended to leave the device switched on for another five minutes after complete air purification. In this way, the service life of the carbon cartridge can be increased,because at this time the remaining moisture is removed and the absorbent does not caking.
Recessed range hoods
For many of us, the aesthetic properties of the kitchen space are important. Kitchen hoods built-in with a filter give you more options to provide comfort and sophistication to the room.
The models have a retractable carriage that can absorb more polluted air. Many users and experts recommend paying attention to models equipped with two motors. In this case, ventilation will be more efficient. Filters for built-in hoods are meant to be reusable, aluminum.
Filter Care
User reviews of kitchen hoods with a filter indicate that if they are regularly cleaned, they will work much longer and more efficiently. If a disposable grease trap is installed, it must be periodically replaced with a new one. Reusable can be cleaned with detergent or placed in the dishwasher.
Clean the grease filter
In order for the filter to effectively cope with its duties, it must be cleaned. To do this, it must be removed and placed in a container of hot water.
To destroy fat particles, detergent is added to the water and a filter is placed for 20 minutes. Then it is cleaned with a hard sponge. You can use citric acid to remove stubborn dirt.
Change carbon filters
Unlike a grease trap, charcoal filters cannot be cleaned. They only need to be changed. Of course, the task is not difficult, but rather painstaking.
- To do this, turn off the hood from the network. Grease filters can be removed and cleaned.
- The cassette where the carbon filter is located is usually fixed quite tightly. It should be pulled out and removed, directly, the filter itself.
- Before inserting a new one, wipe the cassette with a damp cloth.
- You need to make sure that the new filter is clearly in place, otherwise the hood will not work effectively.
- You can turn on the device and check that there are no extraneous sounds.
The kitchen hood filter ensures efficient operation of the appliance. If the choice fell on a grease trap, then systematic cleaning should not be neglected. A charcoal air purifier will provide clean air and eliminate bad odors when replaced regularly, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
